Starting August 1, 2025, Zermatt's childcare will be restructured into two clear municipal offerings: a daycare (Kita) for infants to school-age, and an after-school program ('Niww Walka Club') for primary school students.
The new system aims to provide reliable, professional, and educationally sound care to better support working families in the tourist region.
Facilities will be consolidated into two locations, Kita Steinmatte and the new Kita/Club 'Niww Walka', offering year-round care from Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
A new income- and wealth-based fee structure will be introduced to ensure fair access and promote equal opportunity for all families.
Zermatt Reports Strong 2024 Financial Results
The municipality of Zermatt recorded a positive financial year in 2024, with revenues of CHF 82.7 million and expenses of CHF 71.2 million, resulting in a surplus of CHF 11.5 million.
Strong tourism and exceptionally high income from water royalties contributed to fiscal revenues reaching CHF 55.3 million.
Gross investments totaled CHF 20.9 million, notably in environmental protection, education (including the new Niww Walka schoolhouse), and transport infrastructure.
The municipality successfully self-financed 118% of its net investments, highlighting its robust financial health.
New Housing Project Proposed for Zermatt Station
A referendum will be held on July 6, 2025, for a zoning change that would allow the construction of 70 new primary residences on the roof of the MGBahn train station.
The project, supported by the municipality, aims to create urgently needed, affordable housing for locals and people working in Zermatt, with rental prices set below market rates.
The proposed development consists mainly of 2.5 to 4.5-room apartments, and the municipality itself plans to rent 18 units for its employees.
The plan involves changing the zone from 'tourist buildings and facilities' to a core residential zone (K-C), a reclassification that has passed public consultation and received a generally positive assessment from the canton.
Major Snowstorm Causes Widespread Power Outage
During Holy Week in April 2025, heavy snowfall caused a 42.5-hour power outage in Zermatt, disrupting transport, communication, and daily life.
The municipal crisis management team was activated, setting up emergency contact points and coordinating with utility providers, medical services, and law enforcement.
Emergency power was established for critical infrastructure like the hospital and water supply, while a temporary charging station and food distribution point were set up for the public.
The main power line was repaired by the evening of Good Friday, with full service restored over the next two hours, and road and rail access reopened on Saturday.
Guide to Flood and Natural Hazard Safety
This article, part of a series on natural hazards, focuses on flood safety and emphasizes the personal responsibility of residents to stay informed.
It outlines the different types of public alarms, including the general alarm and the specific alarm for the Triftbach stream, which has a 5-minute warning time.
Residents in flood-prone zones are advised to prepare emergency kits and have mitigation supplies like pumps and sandbags ready before an event occurs.
During a flood alarm, individuals in lower floors must evacuate immediately to higher floors or designated assembly points, as emergency services will focus on protecting public infrastructure, not private property.
Zermatt Libraries Thrive as Community Hubs
Zermatt's libraries saw significant growth in 2024, with 14,600 items borrowed and a rise in visitors by 3,160, largely driven by the new school library.
The new school library, opened in February 2024, has become a popular place for students, offering resources, reading promotion activities, and a space for study and communication.
The libraries serve as more than just book repositories, hosting numerous events, workshops, and language cafes to foster media literacy and community integration.
Both the community and school libraries are accessible to everyone, and a single library card is valid in all libraries across the Upper Valais.
Zermatt to Host Switzerland Travel Mart 2025
From September 21-25, 2025, Zermatt will host the Switzerland Travel Mart (STM), the country's most important tourism trade fair.
The event will bring approximately 350 Swiss tourism providers and 400 international buyers together for sales meetings and networking.
A temporary 'chalet village' will be constructed on the Obere Matten for the workshops, while a 'Destination Day' will allow attendees to experience local activities like hiking and biking.
The event is seen as a major opportunity for Zermatt to showcase itself as a top-tier, sustainable destination to key international industry players.
Gornergrat Railway Unveils Diverse Summer Program
The popular 'Meet the Sheep' experience returns, allowing visitors to find the famous Valais Blacknose sheep using a GPS map and interact with them via an augmented reality app.
Special excursions include early morning 'Sunrise Trips' to the Gornergrat and the 'NostalChic Class,' a guided journey in a restored vintage carriage with regional culinary specialties.
Europe's highest alpine garden at Rotenboden will be in full bloom in June and July, showcasing over 100 rare alpine plant species.
Guided tours with botanists from the University of Bern will be offered on July 26 and 27 to provide deeper insights into the unique flora.
Action and Adventure in Matterhorn Paradise for Summer 2025
The year-round ski area on the Theodul Glacier will again host international ski teams for summer training, with up to 21 km of pistes and a snowpark available.
For families, a new adventure playground at the Leisee is nearing completion and will open by the end of June, complementing existing attractions.
Thrill-seekers can enjoy 'Funventure' activities like Kickbikes from Sunnegga and Mountaincarts from Blauherd, as well as extensive mountain biking trails accessible with new multi-day passes.
The rollout of a digital smartphone ticket is in its final phase, which will allow visitors to access lifts without a physical keycard.
'The Matterhorn Story' Returns to Europe's Highest Stage
The open-air play 'The Matterhorn Story' is returning to Riffelberg, Europe's highest open-air stage, from June 28 to August 23, 2025.
Directed by Livia Anne Richard, this new staging revisits the dramatic true story of the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, 160 years after the event.
The production features a mix of professional and amateur actors, including direct descendants of the original mountaineers, and aims to rehabilitate the reputation of the local Taugwalder guides.
A new musical concept featuring the local band 'Wintershome' and live piano improvisation will provide a unique, emotionally resonant score for each performance.